Is it possible to do a PhD by distance?

You can study PhD by distance.

Please liaise with your School PGR Administrator for further information:

If I am an international student, will I receive any assistance with my visa application?

You can visit the International Student Support webpages for information and advice regarding visa applications

Should I contact a prospective supervisor before I apply for entry to the PGR programme?

You should identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. You can see more about research areas on the School websites:

You can also use the University of Glasgow staff research interests search to find potential supervisors in your research areas of interest.

Queries regarding identifying appropriate supervisors should be directed to the School/s in which your intended research will be undertaken.

Who is eligible to act as a supervisor?

In line with the PGR Code of Practice, the Graduate School is responsible for ensuring that there is a supervisory team in place for each student, consisting of at least a primary and a secondary supervisor.

Primary supervisors are normally required to have an equivalent or higher level of qualification than the qualification being undertaken by the supervised student.

Supervision by individuals without the required level of qualification is subject to ratification by the Graduate School Board.

Supervisors will normally be a member of the academic staff of the University.

Other individuals, such as Honorary or Affiliate members of staff, may act as supervisors subject to ratification by the Graduate School Board. These individuals are only permitted to supervise higher degree students in the capacity of a secondary supervisor.

Where the nominated primary supervisor is a probationary lecturer or a member of staff supervising a student for the first time, the secondary supervisor shall normally be an experienced member of the academic staff of the University and will have joint responsibilities.

At least one member of the supervisory team will be currently engaged in research in the relevant discipline(s).

At least one member of the supervisory team will have a sustained track record of publications.

Postdoctoral researchers may be appointed as additional secondary supervisors.

Supervisors must have completed the mandatory PGR Supervisor Training (1-hour, online), within the last 5 years.

LTS staff can be 1st or 2nd supervisor IF they meet the criteria in the Code.

If there are two LTS colleagues but one or both of them are engaged in research and have a sustained record of publications then, there is no issue. However, if the two LTS colleagues only fulfil ‘engaged in research’, but not ‘sustained record of publications’ then a third supervisor is required with a sustained record of publications.

If a prospective supervisor supports my application, does this mean that I am guaranteed acceptance?

You should identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. If the supervisor supports your application you will not automatically be guaranteed acceptance to PhD – you need to meet the entry requirements of the PhD you wish to undertake. Your application will be reviewed by the School and the Admissions Team will provide status updates.

How do I apply, and can you help with the application form?

PhD application information is available via Research Opportunities A-Z.

The Graduate School webpages provide details on how to apply for postgraduate programmes within the College of Social Sciences in the University of Glasgow.

On these pages you will find application submission deadlines, links to fees and funding available for students in the College of Social Sciences plus information regarding application supporting documents.


I am ill and need some time off, what do I do?

You can apply for a Suspension of Study (for full or part time PGRs) or Medical Leave during Thesis Pending.

Please submit a leave of absence request via UofG Helpdesk.

Further details are available online regarding Forms & Requests.

I am not ill, but I need to suspend my studies for some time, is that possible?

You can apply for a Suspension of Study.

Please submit a leave of absence request via UofG Helpdesk.

Further details are available online regarding Forms & Requests.

I need some training on time-management, where can I get help with additional training needs?

The Researcher Development Programme provides additional courses and training for PGRs.

Do you offer any help to students with a disability?

You can access information and register with the University Disability Service.

Our team of Student Support Officers (SSO's) can help signposting sources of information, advice and guidance in relation to wellbeing.

The team will encourage and help support you to resolve issues and difficulties.

I am almost done with my PhD, do you have any career advice?

Information and resources are available via the University Careers Service and the CoSS Employability (PGR Opportunities Hub) provides training, internships and funding opportunities designed to support your development of key transferable research skills. 

Student Support Officers (SSO's) can help signposting sources of information, advice and guidance for careers.